In a bold and necessary exercise of American strength, President Donald J. Trump authorized Operation Epic Fury - a precise, overwhelming military campaign to eliminate the imminent nuclear threat posed by the Iranian regime, destroy its ballistic missile arsenal, degrade its proxy terror networks, and cripple its naval forces. This operation, executed in partnership with regional allies, follows exhaustive diplomatic efforts and comes after 47 years of Iranian aggression - including attacks on U.S. citizens, sponsorship of global terrorism, and brutal oppression of its own people.
Iranian-Americans are celebrating a new dawn of hope:
"We want to say thank you to President Trump. This is the only person who has supported us in the last 50 years." (Watch)
"I don't know how to thank President Trump. I am speechless." (Watch)
"We are waking up to the hope that this is the dawn of a new season… That we might actually see the people of Iran freed is just such an incredible moment for us." (Watch)
Top lawmakers rallied behind Operation Epic Fury on the Sunday morning talk shows:
Sen. Tom Cotton on State of the Union: "I haven't heard a single Arkansan express anything but unqualified support for President Trump and for his decision to finally put America's foot down and end 47 years of terror and revolutionary violence by the Islamic Republic against the United States and our citizens."
Sen. Lindsey Graham on Meet the Press: "The mothership of terrorism is sinking. The captain is dead. The largest state sponsor of terrorism - Iran - is close to collapsing. The leader of the largest state sponsor of terrorism and his inner team are dead… Well done, President Trump."
Sen. Ted Cruz on Face the Nation: "President Trump's decision to launch this decisive action against Iran is the single most important decision of his presidency… Iran no longer being led by a theocratic, murderous dictator - that makes America much, much safer."
Sen. Dave McCormick on Fox News Sunday: "The President acted completely within his Constitutional authority… What we need to focus on now is continuing to support these great young Americans that are carrying out this extraordinary mission."
Sen. Rick Scott on Sunday Morning Futures: "I want to thank President Trump for having the guts to do this. This is what other Presidents had not been willing to do… The world is a safer place."
Rep. Brian Mast on Sunday Morning Futures: "While maybe not surprising, but very troubling, is most Congressional Democrats… are going to line up next week and say, 'We don't want the President to have any authority to defend the United States of America against the imminent threat of Iran.'"
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna on CNN This Morning: "We cannot allow them to have a nuclear weapon. As you are seeing, they are not people that you can negotiate with. They have been operating a terrorist regime that has been responsible for killing thousands upon thousands of Americans, not to mention their own people."
Experts, commentators, and others are praising President Trump's historic action:
New York Post Editorial Board: "President Trump is taking decisive action instead of hoping to get away with kicking the can further down the road - after weeks of seeking a peaceful accommodation, indeed after months and (counting his first term) years of proving to Iran's rulers that Washington's forbearance was over… He is correct when he claims he is the only president willing to make this generational move."
The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board: "The U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran that began Saturday morning is a necessary act of deterrence against a regime that is the world's foremost promoter of terrorism. It carries risks as all wars do, but it also has the potential to reshape the Middle East for the better and lead to a safer world."
Yorktown Institute President Seth Cropsey: "Again the president has acted decisively against an exposed partner of the rival great powers. It did so in Venezuela. It's doing so in Cuba. Attacking Iran's theocrats, ballistic-missile infrastructure and command-and-control systems leaves the regime weaker than ever. The assault on Iran, including an Israeli strike that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, also solidifies the Trump doctrine, demonstrating the president's willingness to use tailored, overwhelming force to maximize deterrence and achieve long-term strategic benefits… The Trump doctrine's military components are one part of its effectiveness. Donald Trump is another: He has proved to be the only U.S. president willing to wage a true war of attrition against Tehran. Both Trump administrations combined crippling sanctions with spectacular displays of force. This strategy along with Israeli tenacity has left the Islamic Republic in a state of headlong decline while hollowing out its regional 'axis of resistance.' Operation Epic Fury creates an opening to complete Iran's strategic degradation."
Commentator Marc Thiessen: "Donald Trump has just taken his place alongside Reagan & FDR as one of the most consequential presidents in American history. Many have occupied his office, but there are only a handful whose courageous leadership has quite literally reshaped the world. There will be statues of him from Caracas to Tehran. He is, as we speak, assuming his place in the pantheon of our nations greatest leaders."
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: "President Trump has acted to do no less than to preserve Western civilization. This has never been easy, nor will the days ahead be. But for 250 years, America has been the most exceptional nation known to man. President Trump's actions today extend that role and protect America. God Bless him and the United States."
Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg (ret.): "For this operation to unfold the way it has, with the strikes occurring and with the assets we are using, is really quite amazing… We've done an exceptional job. President Trump has done a great job."
New York Post columnist Michael Goodwin: "The death of Ayatollah Khamenei instantly makes Iran and the entire Middle East a better, safer place… The president had made it abundantly clear to anyone who cared to listen that the status quo was unacceptable and that he was prepared to act with overwhelming force. Either Iranian leaders would change their demonic ways, or the US and Israel would do it for them. Promises made, promises kept."
Foundation for Defense of Democracies Senior Advisor Miad Maleki: "President Trump is the first American president to come to the rescue of the Iranian people and stand against this tyranny. That takes courage and historic vision."
Commentator Hugh Hewitt: "The destruction of this 'wicked, radical regime' is being done to protect future generations says @POTUS, after recounting five decades of attacks by the fanatics. His clear-eyed statement about the threat to our troops is sober and necessary. His confidence in their abilities is complete. A very sober but determined speech by President Trump. Seven of eight presidents did not take direct, public action against Khomeini/Khamenei but President Trump has. Bravo and to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines and our allies carrying out this mission."
Gen. Jack Keane (ret.): "This is a very comprehensive, well-thought-out campaign that I've seen the details of, and it's nothing short of remarkable… Let's credit the leaders for stepping up and doing it and pushing aside all the naysayers that said you shouldn't do it, and let's credit the troops that are out there executing this mission."
Ronald Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim: "To me, this is strategic in every aspect. This regime has, for 47 years, attacked our interests - and because of what took place yesterday, the leader of that regime was taken out. It will have a major strategic impact on the region… The United States is safer because of what happened yesterday. President Trump, because of that courageous decision, has an opportunity to transform the region. But at the very least, the status quo, where we are today, is markedly different from the vulnerable position the United States has been in and our allies have been in for 47 years. This is, if anything, the most consequential strategic military action in 47 years."
Foundation for Defense of Democracies CEO Mark Dubowitz: "No other president in the past or the future would have taken out Khamenei, [Soleimani] and their deadly nuclear, missile and terror capabilities. That's fact not partisanship"
NewsNation host Katie Pavlich: "Iran started a war against the United States of America is 1979 and hasn't stopped since. Enough."
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy: "I always laugh at yo-yo's who don't have the 1st clue what information the President had that forced this decision. Even politicians who despise him but were briefed on the situation seem to agree with this operation. I guess lotta podcasters know better. Gotta keep the lights on somehow. Borderline traitors if you ask me. Iran is a terror nation with a long history of some of the worst human rights atrocities in the world. Nobody disputes that fact. They hate Americans. They hate Israel. They hate all Jews. They hate the West. They would kill us all if given the chance. They just murdered tens of thousands of their own people. The rest of the Middle East is on our side. The Iranian people are on our side. It isn't that complicated to support our Troops and our country this morning. We are on the right side here. God Bless America."
Heritage Foundation Vice President Victoria Coates: "President Trump has given every opportunity for the regime in Iran to come to the table and make a reasonable deal… We were having the same conversation over the course of the last four weeks that we were having in the lead up to the 12-day war. All the critics were predicting the president wouldn't act, he was being tricked by the Iranians - absolutely not. He was getting everything in place that he needed to execute this extraordinary strike, and the Iranians now know that they're defenseless."
Commentator Chris Stigall: "I get it. Lots of people think this is Iraq all over again. President Trump is a different leader, and Iran is a distinctly different issue. People conflating our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan with today's actions don't care enough to learn the very specific differences. President Trump explains well the why of today. You don't have to like it. But be smart enough to know the difference. President Trump isn't like past presidents. He's repeatedly proven that's true. He has no appetite for endless war. He wants to end wars and has. Swiftly. I trust him in this until I have information to suggest otherwise."
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett: "The big lesson is do not mess with President Trump… I think the whole region, afterwards, will be thankful - and the world will be thankful - because already now, the world is a safer place compared to yesterday."
OutKick founder Clay Travis: "100% the right call to take out Iran's leadership once and for all. Now the people of Iran have the fate of their country in their hands. Between Iran, Venezuela and Cuba we are all witnessing a modern day Berlin Wall falling moment, Trump is standing for freedom like Reagan did."
Commentator Mark Levin: "God bless our President and armed forces. And he will."
Commentator Scott Jennings: "God bless the President of the United States and the men and women who are carrying out this righteous attack on the literal worst people in the world. The President has made a clear case – watch this entire video."
Newsmax host Rob Schmitt: "Trump stabilizing the Middle East and world thru force."
Fox News host Sean Hannity: "God Bless the Brave Men and Woman of the US Military-the greatest military on the face of the earth. What makes President Trump so consequential and transformational is that he understands real evil in our time, and in this case he has taken the principled stance that the number one state sponsor of terror cannot have nuclear weapons. The world will be a safer place as a result. God bless our brave troops."
Former Clinton advisor Mark Penn: "The time is now Iran has terrorized the world for nearly 50 years with its demonization of the west and the creation of a terror state that long ago lost the support of its own people. They gunned down tens of thousands of their own people believing they could do it and nothing would happen to them. The actions of President Trump are a heroic turn of events in which the regime that had as its ambition to conquer the region will face destruction and not be allowed to continue to suppress its own people while threatening the world. While Obama and Biden enabled Iran, Trump drew a red line and meant it. This is a just cause and we must all support our military in this effort that has been clearly planned and thought out as never before. May they be successful in making this a more peaceful and better world."
Commentator Davin Rubin: "As I said to @LelandVittert the other night, I trust President Trump. He doesn't want war, but he understands peace through strength. A new, more peaceful world is on the horizon, and it was gonna take some grit, toughness and determination to do it. 🇺🇸🇮🇷"
Patrick Bet-David: "For 47 years, Iranians have been waiting for this moment. Presidents on both sides of the isle avoided this. This is a VERY HEAVY decision on the President that comes with a ton of burden. If & when we succeed, the world will be a safer place."
Article III Project Founder Mike Davis: "For 47 years, Iran has waged war against the United States. The President of the United States, as the commander-in-chief, has the Article II constitutional power and duty to protect American people, assets, allies, and other interests. Cheers to President Trump for doing this."
Bill Ackman: "President @realDonaldTrump will go down in history as one of the greatest and most consequential presidents we have ever had. His ability and willingness to make bold and consequential decisions for the benefit of future generations based on the hard and cold facts at hand rather than short-term political considerations is one of his greatest strengths. No longer are we governed by the politics of the weak who have brought us close to the edge with their weakness and self-interested short-termism. God bless our nation, our military, and our president. Let's all pray for our troops who risk their lives on behalf of all of us so we can look forward to a world where evil is eliminated and good prevails. What we do in life echoes in eternity."Conservative Political Action Conference Chairman Matt Schlapp: "It is a diplomatic disaster to draw a line in the sand and not act when it's crossed. President Trump understands that. Dictators the world over are realizing Trump doesn't just talk; he will act."
World leaders have expressed their strong support:
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: "For decades, the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force, through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and brutal acts of violence and intimidation… We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney: "Canada's position remains clear: the Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East, has one of the world's worst human rights records, and must never be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons … Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "I thank our great friend, President @realDonaldTrump, for his historic leadership."
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama: "It's high time to cut the rope and go straight to the point. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a terrorist organization and it must be treated as such… Not only because we stand firm with Israel and with the peace-seeking brotherly Arab countries. Not only because we support the United States in militarily supporting Israel today under the leadership of President Donald Trump… We fully endorse every decisive effort to prevent once and for all the murderers in Tehran from acquiring nuclear or any other military capacity to harm Israel or any other peace-loving nation in the Middle East. Terrorism must be named. And once named, it must be stopped."
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in strongest terms the blatant Iranian aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan. The Kingdom affirms its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries, and its readiness to place all its capabilities at their disposal in support of any measures they may undertake."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: "It is important that the United States is acting decisively. Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken."
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani: "The hour of freedom has come for the people of Iran, thanks to the leadership of the United States and President @realDonaldTrump. As always, the Republic of Kosovo unwaveringly stands with the United States and its allies in defending freedom, peace, security, and stability. We also strongly condemn the attacks of the Iranian regime against our allies in the Middle East. We will continue to support the actions undertaken by the United States and other allies to put an end to the Iranian regime and finally give freedom and peace a chance."
British Member of Parliament and Leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage: "The Prime Minister needs to change his mind on the use of our military bases and back the Americans in this vital fight against Iran!"
Canadian Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre: "The regime in Tehran is the principal source of terror in the Middle East and around the world… Conservatives support a democratic, free and permanently-denuclearized Iran that lives in peace and security with its neighbours. And Conservatives support the United States, Israel, and our allies across the Gulf to defend their sovereignty and dismantle the clerical military dictatorship of Iran."
Lawmakers across the political spectrum are backing Operation Epic Fury:
Senate Majority Leader John Thune: "For years, Iran's relentless nuclear ambitions, its expanded ballistic missile inventory, and its unwavering support for terror groups in the region have posed a clear and unacceptable threat to U.S. servicemembers, citizens in the region, and many of our allies. Despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns."
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: "I applaud President Trump for his decisive action to end the evil terrorist regime in Iran. This is peace through strength. For 47 years this murderous regime has waged war against the United States. It chants 'Death to America.' It kills innocent people and targets American citizens. It funds terrorism around the world. May God Bless the Iranian people in their fight for freedom. May God Bless our Troops and all those involved in carrying out Operation Epic Fury."
Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton: "A nuclear-weapons program. Thousands of missiles. State sponsorship of terror. Iran has waged war against the U.S. for 47 years: the hostage crisis, the Beirut Marine barracks, Khobar Towers, roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan that killed or maimed thousands of American soldiers, the attempted assassination of President Trump. The butcher's bill has finally come due for the ayatollahs. May God bless and protect our troops on this vital mission of vengeance, and justice, and safety."
Sen. Jim Banks: "A Trump red line isn't a warning-it's a promise."
Sen. Marsha Blackburn: "The Iranian regime has chanted 'Death to America' for decades. It's time to end the reign of terror."
Sen. John Boozman: "The world's leading sponsor of terror can never have nuclear weapons. We are praying for our courageous servicemembers and the people of Iran who have suffered under this brutal regime for far too long."
Sen. Katie Britt: "Iran is led by a murderous regime that not only murders innocent Americans, but is also holding innocent Americans in captivity. @SecRubio is right. Iran must return every single American. Thankful to him and @POTUS for continuing to put maximum pressure on the Ayatollah."
